Modern trends in new residential architecture

Lately, there is a renewed interest in Modern Architecture. Modernism is defined by clean lines and minimalist interiors and is free of clutter and unnecessary elements.

Modern Concepts in Architecture were first introduced in the beginning of the 20th century by architects of the Bauhaus movement such as Meis Van der Rohe, Walter Gropius and Le Corbusier as well as American masters such as Frank Lloyd Wright.

Masters of the Bauhaus embraced a consequent new machine age and sought to emulate the advances in industrial production and focus on new technologies. Structures using columns rather than structural walls allowed for open plans and walls of glass. These advances were seen as a template for a universal architecture suited to any place.

Frank Lloyd Wright embraced the same technological advances but did not seek a universal architecture but one that is connected to a specific site. His masterpiece "Fallingwater" has remained one of America's most revered houses. Wright used a cantilever structure anchored by columns creating a building which merges with the site's waterfall. The waterfalls sound, cooling embrace and it's other nurturing qualities created a refuge from the modern world even as the architecture embraced the modern.

Simplicity

Today's hectic and complicated lifestyles have led to a trend where many homeowners seek to create places of tranquility. They are looking at modernism for the clarity and simplicity of it's design. Homeowners are focusing on the beauty of well proportioned spaces and simple color palettes. By incorporating natural materials as Frank Lloyd Wright did to create harmony any home can have a sense of harmony with nature. Harmony with nature improves well-being by calming life's stresses.

Functionality

A distinctive quality of Modern Architecture is open floor plans. They are popular today because they accommodate multi-functional spaces easily.

Houses are expensive to build. There is a real financial need to combine spaces. Dining spaces can be created within an overall living area and do not need to be separate rarely used rooms. Kitchens can double as living spaces. Kitchen cabinetry can be designed to look like furniture. Appliances can be fully integrated within cabinetry so that they match the adjoining design of the room. Functional kitchen islands are raised on legs to look like tables rather than a countertop.

Today's families are busy. Parents are working and children have so many extracurricular activities that their schedules rival those of CEO's. Open multi-functional spaces allow for families to socialize while cooking meals, managing homework, or keeping an eye on smaller children.

This is why thoughtful Modern Architecture speaks to us today and makes our lives easier.

To learn more about Modern Architecture visit the Museum of Modern Art in NYC. Check out their website at